Atherectomy device

ABSTRACT

An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the outer member. The outer member is fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft. The rotatable shaft includes a guidewire lumen for receiving a guidewire to enable over the wire insertion of the device.

This application claims priority from provisional application 62/097,049, filed Dec. 27, 2014 and from provisional application 62/199,999, filed Aug. 1, 2015. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This application relates to a vascular surgical apparatus, and more particularly to a minimally invasive device for removing plaque or other deposits from the interior of a vessel.

Background of Related Art

The vascular disease of atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque or substances inside the vessel wall which reduces the size of the passageway through the vessel, thereby restricting blood flow. Such constriction or narrowing of the passage in the vessel is referred to as stenosis. In the case of peripheral vascular disease, which is atherosclerosis of the vascular extremities, if the vessel constriction is left untreated, the resulting insufficient blood flow can cause claudication and possibly require amputation of the patient's limb. In the case of coronary artery disease, if left untreated, the blood flow through the coronary artery to the myocardium will become inadequate causing myocardial infarction and possibly leading to stroke and even death.

There are currently several different treatments for treating arterial disease. The most invasive treatment is major surgery. With peripheral vascular diseases, such as occlusion of the tibial artery, major surgery involves implantation and attachment of a bypass graft to the artery so the blood flow will bypass the occlusion. The surgery involves a large incision, e.g., a 10 inch incision in the leg, is expensive and time consuming for the surgeon, increases patient pain and discomfort, results in a long patient recovery time, and has the increased risk of infection with the synthetic graft.

Major surgery for treating coronary artery disease is even more complex. In this surgery, commonly referred to as open heart surgery, a bypass graft connects the heart to the vessel downstream of the occlusion, thereby bypassing the blockage. Bypass surgery requires opening the patient's chest, is complex, has inherent risks to the patient, is expensive and requires lengthy patient recovery time. Bypass surgery also requires use of a heart lung machine to pump the blood as the heart is stopped, which has its own risks and disadvantages. Oftentimes, the saphenous vein in the patient's leg must be utilized as a bypass graft, requiring the additional invasive leg incision which further complicates the procedure, increases surgery time, lengthens the patient's recovery time, can be painful to the patient, and increases the risk of infection.

Attempts to minimize the invasiveness of coronary bypass surgery are currently being utilized in certain instances. These typically include creating a “window approach” to the heart. Although the window approach may reduce patient trauma and recovery time relative to open heart surgery, it still requires major surgery, and is a complicated and difficult surgery to perform due to limited access and limited instrumentation for successfully performing the operation. Attempts to avoid the use of a heart lung machine by using heart stabilization methods has become more accepted, but again, this does not avoid major surgery.

Due to the invasiveness and potential for complications with major peripheral or coronary vascular surgery, minimally invasive procedures have been developed. Balloon angioplasty is one of the minimally invasive methods for treating vessel occlusion and obstructions. A catheter having a balloon is inserted through the access artery, e.g., the femoral artery in the patient's leg or the radial artery in the arm, and advanced through the vascular system to the occluded site over a guidewire. The deflated balloon is placed at the occlusion and inflated to crack and stretch the plaque and other deposits to expand the opening in the vessel. Balloon angioplasty, especially in coronary surgery, is frequently immediately followed by insertion of a stent, a small metallic expandable device which is placed inside the vessel wall to retain the opening which was created by the balloon. Balloon angioplasty has several drawbacks including difficulty in forcing the balloon through the partially occluded passageway if there is hard occlusion, the risk involved in cutting off blood flow when the balloon is fully inflated, the frequency of restenosis after a short period of time since the plaque is essentially stretched or cracked and not removed from the vessel wall or because of the development of intimal hyperplasia and the possibility of balloon rupture when used in calcified lesions.

Another minimally invasive technique used to treat arteriosclerosis is referred to as atherectomy and involves removal of the plaque by a cutting or abrading instrument. This technique provides a minimally invasive alternative to the bypass surgery techniques described above and can provide an advantage over balloon angioplasty methods in certain instances. Atherectomy procedures typically involve inserting a cutting or ablating device through the access artery, e.g., the femoral artery or the radial artery, and advancing it over a guidewire through the vascular system to the occluded region, and rotating the device at high speed to cut through or ablate the plaque. The removed plaque or material can then be suctioned out of the vessel or be of such fine diameter that it is cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Removal of the plaque in an atherectomy procedure has an advantage over balloon angioplasty plaque displacement since it debulks the material.

Examples of atherectomy devices in the prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,990,134, 5,681,336, 5,938,670, and 6,015,420. These devices have elliptical shaped tips which are rotated at high speeds to cut away the plaque and other deposits on the interior vessel wall. A well-known device is marketed by Boston Scientific Corp. and referred to as the Rotablator. As can be appreciated, in these devices, the region of plaque removal is dictated by the outer diameter of the cutting tip (burr) since only portions of the plaque contacted by the rotating tip are removed. The greater the area of plaque removed, the larger the passageway created through the vessel and the better the resulting blood flow.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,217,474 and 6,096,054 disclose expandable cutting tips. These tips however are quite complex and require additional expansion and contraction steps by the surgeon.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,698 discloses an atherectomy device designed to obtain an optimal balance between the competing objectives of the smallest introducer sheath size to facilitate insertion and reduce trauma to the vessel and the largest atherectomy tip size to remove a larger region of plaque or other deposits from the vessel wall.

However, it would be advantageous to enhance the breaking up and removal of the small particles in atherectomy procedures.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides in one aspect an atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel comprising a housing, an outer member extending from the housing and having a distal end and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the outer member, the shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal region and a distalmost edge. The outer member is fixed axially with respect to the housing. A rotatable tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the rotatable tip is positioned distally of the distal end of the outer member to create a gap between the proximal end of the rotatable tip and the distalmost edge of the outer member. The rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft. The rotatable tip has a longitudinal axis and is mounted to the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft. The shaft includes a guidewire lumen for receiving a guidewire to enable over the wire insertion of the device.

In some embodiments, the device includes an auger positioned on the rotatable shaft, the auger positioned proximally of the rotatable tip and extending along the outer shaft, wherein rotation of the shaft rotates the auger to move particles abraded by the tip proximally into the outer member.

In some embodiments, a portion of the auger is exposed between the proximal end of the rotatable tip and the distalmost edge of the outer member; in other embodiments, the auger is positioned within the outer member such that it is not exposed between the proximal end of the rotatable tip and the distalmost edge of the outer member.

A coating can be provided over at least a portion of the rotatable shaft and/or auger.

A motor for rotating the rotatable shaft can be provided positioned within the housing.

In some embodiments, particles are aspirated through the outer member in the space between the rotatable shaft and an inner wall of the outer member.

In some embodiments, the rotatable tip can be mounted proximal of the distalmost end of the rotatable shaft.

The tip can have a lumen extending therethrough dimensioned to receive the rotatable shaft.

In some embodiments, the rotatable tip is composed of first and second components, e.g., halves, the components radially spaced from each other. In some embodiments, the first component is composed of a material having a density greater than the second component. In some embodiments, the first component has a portion removed so it is composed of less material than the second component.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure a method for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel is provided. The method comprises the steps of:

providing an introducer sheath having an internal diameter;

providing a deposit removal device including an outer member, a rotatable shaft and a rotatable tip at a distal portion of the rotatable shaft, the outer member axially fixed (or substantially axially fixed) to maintain a fixed spacing between the distal end of the outer member and proximal end of the rotatable tip;

inserting the introducer sheath through a skin incision and into a vessel;

advancing the rotatable tip adjacent the deposits to be removed; and

actuating a motor to rotate the rotatable tip at high speed by rotation of the rotatable shaft to contact and remove the deposits, the rotatable tip rotating to remove deposits; and

aspirating deposits through a space in the outer member between the shaft and an inner wall of the outer member during rotation of the rotatable shaft.

In some embodiments, the rotatable shaft can have an auger thereon so the step of rotating the rotatable shaft causes the auger to direct particles proximally within the outer member.

The method in some embodiments further includes the step of applying a vacuum to aspirate proximally deposits removed by rotational movement of the tip.

The method can further include the step of inserting the tip over a guidewire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the distal portion of the atherectomy device of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the atherectomy device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing aspiration through the catheter;

FIG. 3A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the tip of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal portion of an alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cut away side view of the atherectomy bit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cut away side view of the atherectomy bit of FIG. 4 showing the opposite side of the side shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a distal portion of another alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the bit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10B is a view similar to FIG. 10A showing an alternate embodiment of the atherectomy bit of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the distal portion of another alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the distal portion of another alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the atherectomy device of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is a close up view of the area of detail identified in FIG. 12B;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the distal portion of another alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the atherectomy device of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a close up view of the area of detail identified in FIG. 13B;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the housing of the atherectomy device of FIG. 12A, with a housing half removed to show internal components;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the area of detail identified in FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16A-16D show a method of use of the atherectomy device of FIG. 4 wherein:

FIG. 16A is a side view in partial cross-section of the guidewire being inserted through the vessel;

FIG. 16B is a side view in partial cross-section illustrating the rotating shaft and bit of the atherectomy device inserted over the guidewire;

FIG. 16C is a view similar to FIG. 16B showing rotation of the shaft to remove plaque; and

FIG. 16D is a view similar to FIG. 16C showing further removal of plaque;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating the atherectomy system of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an atherectomy device designed for high speed rotation to remove plaque or other deposits on the inside wall of the vessel to widen the blood passageway therethrough. To achieve such rotation, the atherectomy tip is positioned at a distal portion of a flexible rotatable shaft that can be gas or electrically powered. The shaft rotates at high speed, typically between 100,000 and 200,000 rpm, causing the cutting or ablation surface of the tip to remove the plaque and deposits to which it comes into contact. The atherectomy device of the present invention has application in a variety of vessels such as the coronary arteries, peripheral vessels such as the tibial artery, femoral, and popliteal, and saphenous vein bypass grafts.

In order for the atherectomy tip to reach the vessel stenosis (obstruction) it is supported on a flexible shaft and inserted along with the flexible shaft through an introducer sheath and over a guidewire. More specifically, the introducer sheath is placed through a skin incision and into a vessel, e.g., the femoral artery in the patient's leg, to provide access to the target site. A guidewire is then inserted through the introducer sheath and advanced through the appropriate vessels to the target obstructed site, typically the coronary artery. The flexible shaft and attached atherectomy tip, extending from a catheter, are then inserted through the introducer sheath and threaded over the length of the guidewire to the target obstructed site. Actuation of the motor spins the shaft and tip so the cutting surface repeatedly comes into contact with the obstruction, e.g., plaque, to remove it from the vessel wall.

Details of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or like components throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the atherectomy device of the present invention, designated generally by reference numeral 10. The entire device is shown in FIG. 17; the distal portion of the device is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The atherectomy tip or bit 12 of the device 10 is connected to a flexible rotatable inner shaft 20 such that rotation of the inner shaft 20 rotates the tip 12. The inner shaft 20 is positioned in outer tube or catheter 24. As shown, the tip 12 is connected at a distal region of the rotatable shaft 20, but preferably spaced from a distalmost end 22 of the shaft 20. In an alternate embodiment, it is placed at the distalmost end of the flexible shaft 20. The flexible shaft 20 is electrically powered for high speed rotation to rotate the shaft 20 and tip 12 to break up plaque to treat stenosis of a vessel. A motor housing 2, shown schematically in FIG. 17, contains a motor mounted therein and a motor shaft. The atherectomy device 10 is operatively connected to the motor housing 2 as the flexible shaft 20 is connected to the motor such that activation of the motor rotates the shaft 20 of the device. A control knob can be provided to adjust the rotational speed of the shaft 20 and tip 12, and a window can be provided to visually display the speed. Shaft 20 and tip 12 can be disposable. In use, an introducer sheath or catheter 35 is inserted through an incision “A” in the patient's leg and through an incision in the femoral artery “B”. The catheter or outer tube 24 with attached shaft 20 (positioned therein) and tip 30 are introduced through the introducer sheath into the femoral artery “B”, and advanced to the target artery, e.g., the coronary artery, to the treatment obstruction site. Note that a guidewire G extends through the shaft 20 and into the target artery so that the shaft 20 and tip 12 are inserted over the guidewire. FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary introducer sheath 35.

The system in some embodiments further includes an aspiration (vacuum) source 5, shown schematically in FIG. 17, communicating with the catheter 24 to aspirate particles through the catheter 24 in the space (lumen 27) between the inner wall 24 a of the catheter 24 and outer wall of shaft 20 (FIG. 2). Tubing 7 extends from the aspiration source 5 to communicate with the catheter 24 via catheter hub 28, and in some embodiments through a side arm (not shown) in catheter hub 28. The system in some embodiments can have an aspiration (vacuum) source 4 communicating via tubing 8 with the introducer sheath 35 via hub 29, and in some embodiments through a side port (not shown) in hub 29, to provide aspiration in the space between the inner wall of sheath 35 and the outer wall of catheter 24. Note the aspiration through the introducer sheath 35, if provided, can be in addition to the aspiration through catheter 24 or alternatively the sole source of aspiration in which instance aspiration source 5 would not be provided. The system can also include a fluid source 6 for delivering fluids to the vessel. Tubing 11 extends from the fluid source 6, through catheter hub 28, and in some embodiments through a side arm (not shown) in catheter hub 28, to communicate with the inner lumen 27 of catheter 24 or through the lumen of the shaft 20 so fluid can be introduced to the vessel.

It should be appreciated that the device 10 is shown inserted through the femoral artery by way of example as other vessels can be utilized for access, such as the radial artery. Also, the tip of the present invention can be used to remove plaque or other obstructions in a variety of vessels such as the coronary artery, the tibial artery, the superficial femoral, popliteal, saphenous vein bypass grafts and instent restenosis.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the first embodiment of the rotatable atherectomy tip of the present invention will now be described in more detail. Tip or burr 12 has a front (distal) portion (section) 14, a rear (proximal) portion (section) 16, and an intermediate portion (section) 18 between the front and rear portions 14 and 16. These portions vary in transverse cross-section as can be appreciated by the Figures. Thus, the front portion 14 can be defined for convenience as the area starting at the distalmost tip 17, forming a bullet nose configuration. The cross-section of the front portion 14 in one embodiment is substantially circular in configuration. The intermediate portion 18 can be considered as the region where the tip 12 transitions into the scalloped region 19. The cross-section of the intermediate portion 18 progressively changes from substantially circular, to an elongated shape having two substantially flat or linear opposing sidewalls 16 a. This can also be viewed as removed material from the otherwise conical shape so that the distance between opposing linear walls 16 a is less than the distance between opposing walls 19 a.

Rear portion 16 can be considered to begin, for convenience, in the scalloped region 19, and terminate at the proximalmost edge 13 of tip 12. The rear portion 16 preferably has the same elongated cross-sectional dimension throughout its length, with substantially linear walls 16 a separated by a distance less than the distance between opposing walls 19 a.

The scalloped or narrowed section 19 is formed in both sides of the tip 12 to reduce the profile of the tip 12. These scalloped sections form the aforedescribed opposing substantially linear walls. By reducing the profile, i.e., the diameter and circumference, the atherectomy tip of the present invention could be inserted through smaller introducer sheaths than would otherwise be the case if the circumference increased with increasing diameter.

It should also be appreciated that the front, intermediate and rear portions/sections are designated for convenience and are not intended to require three separate segments connected together. Tip 12 can be, and is preferably, a monolithic piece.

Tip 12 has a proximal or rear opening 32 and a distal or front opening 34 connected by a lumen. The flexible shaft 20 extends through openings 32, 34 and the lumen and is attached to the tip 12. In some embodiments, the tip 12 is attached such that the shaft 20 extends through front opening 34 and extends a short distance distal of distalmost edge 17 of tip 12 as shown in FIG. 2. Shaft 20 has a lumen 25 dimensioned to receive a guidewire G to enable over the wire insertion of the atherectomy device 10.

The region of plaque removal is defined by the largest diameter region of the tip since the tip is rotating at high speeds and the plaque is cut or abraded only where the tip comes into contact with it. However, the sheath size required is determined by the largest circumference region of the tip. In some embodiments, the region of plaque removal can be further increased by altering the geometry and/or material of the tip 12 to create a wobbling effect which is described in more detail below.

As a result of the scalloped sections of the tip 12, as the diameter of tip 12 increases in one orientation, it decreases in the transverse orientation, enabling the circumference to remain constant. Since the diameter is reduced in one transverse orientation, the tip 12 can be introduced into an introducer sheath having an internal diameter slightly less than the largest diameter of the tip, since the sheath has room to deform because of the reduced regions, i.e., the scalloped sections, of the tip 12. In the prior art elliptical tip, the rounded symmetrical configuration leaves no room for the sheath to deform so the sheath size must exceed the largest diameter region. Thus, the tip 12 can fit into conventional introducer sheaths having an internal diameter less than the largest outer diameter of the tip 12. This can be achieved by the fact that the tip 12 can deform the internal walls of the sheath as it is inserted, by ovalizing the sheath. If the scalloped walls were not provided, the sheath would need to stretch, rather than ovalize to allow an oversized tip to pass.

Another way to view the tip 12 is that for a given catheter French size desired to be used by the surgeon, a larger atherectomy tip can be utilized if the atherectomy tip 12 of the present invention is selected instead of the prior art elliptical tip, thereby advantageously increasing the region of plaque removal to create a larger passageway in the vessel.

In alternate embodiments of the tip 12, longitudinal or elongated circular and oval cutting grooves could be provided to provide a roughened surface to cut or ablate the plaque as the tip is rotated. The grooves or indentations can be formed by laser cutting a series of grooves extending longitudinally within the interior of the tip stock. The tip is then ground to remove portions of the outer surface to partially communicate with the grooves, thereby creating indentations forming a roughened surface for contact with the plaque. The resulting formation is a series of elongated cutouts/indentations on the front and intermediate portions and oval shaped cutouts/indentations on the distal and intermediate portions. Another way contemplated to create the roughened surface is by blasting, e.g. sandblasting or grit blasting, the tip. The tip is held in a fixture and blasted at a certain pressure, thereby removing portions of the outer surface to create a roughened surface. Creation of a roughened surface by chemical etching is also contemplated. In an alternate embodiment, an abrasive coating, such as diamond particles, is applied to the tip. It should be appreciated that the foregoing roughened surfaces, abrasive coating, etc. can be applied to any of the atherectomy tips described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the atherectomy tip. In this embodiment, the tip, designated generally by reference numeral 50, does not have scalloped sections but instead is substantially cylindrical in configuration along its length except for the bullet nose tip 52. That is, it is circular in transverse cross-section throughout its length. In all other respects, the atherectomy device of FIG. 9 is the same as FIG. 1, i.e., includes rotatable shaft 20 extending beyond the atherectomy tip, catheter 24, etc., so for brevity these components will not be discussed herein since the discussion of these components with respect to FIG. 1 are fully applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the atherectomy tip is symmetrical. In alternate embodiments, the outer geometry of the tip is symmetrical, however, an inner portion of one side of the tip is carved out or removed to create an imbalance resulting in an offset center of mass. This results in wobbling of the tip during high speed rotation which in turn enables a spinning diameter to exceed the cross-sectional dimension of the tip. In this manner, the tip can be used to remove plaque in a wider transverse area. This is shown in FIG. 3A with material removed from one side of the tip 12 to create a cutout or removed material section 15.

Removing material from one side of the tip is one way to achieve this wobbling effect. Another way is through the tip itself being composed of materials of different density, either the same material of different densities or different materials of a differing density such as in FIG. 10B. Such materials utilized can include by way of example platinum and aluminum. These two ways of achieving the wobbling effect are also discussed below in conjunction with the two piece tip.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, as shown, the tip 12 is fixed to the rotatable shaft 20 and positioned distal of the distalmost end of the catheter 24. The shaft 20 is axially fixed within catheter (outer member or outer tube) 24 but can rotate with respect to the catheter 24. Such fixation is described below in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. 12A. The tip 12 therefore remains distal of the distal opening 23 in the catheter 24 to maintain the gap e.g., a fixed gap between the proximal edge 13 of the tip 12 and the opening 23 so particles can be aspirated through the opening 23 and lumen 27 of the catheter 24.

In the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B, device 40 includes a rotatable shaft 42 having an auger or series of threads 44 proximal of tip or bit 45. The auger 44 is positioned on the region of the shaft 42 proximal of the proximal edge 49 of tip 45 and extends along a length of the shaft 42 within catheter (outer tube) 47. These threads 44 function as an Archimedes screw, i.e., a screw pump, to remove the plaque. That is, as the shaft 42 is rotated in the same manner as shaft 20, the screw's helical surface scoops particles and directs the particles proximally (rearwardly) along the shaft 42 through the lumen of catheter 47. In all other respects, device 40 is identical to device 10. The auger 44 can be used in addition to an aspiration pump for aspirating particles into the opening 48 of catheter 47 (as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3) or alternatively used as a substitute so it provides the sole mechanism for aspirating particles through the lumen of the catheter 47. The auger 44 can extend along the entire length or along a partial length of the shaft 20. The auger 44 for removing particles can be used with any of the atherectomy devices disclosed herein.

FIGS. 4-8, 10A and 10B illustrate alternate embodiments of the atherectomy tip of the present invention wherein the tip is composed of two separated components. More particularly, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 and 10A, the tip 60 of atherectomy device 61 has a first component 62 and a second component 64. Tip 60 is mounted on rotatable shaft 70 (similar to shaft 20) at a position spaced proximally from the distalmost edge 72 of the shaft 70 so that a distal portion of the shaft 70 extends slightly distally of the distalmost edge 65 of tip 60. Shaft 70 is rotatably mounted within lumen 82 of catheter 80 but axially fixed within catheter 80 to create a fixed gap between the tip 60 and catheter 80. The shaft 70 has a lumen for insertion over a guidewire G.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8 and 10A, tip component 62 has a cutout or removed material portion 66 to reduce the amount of material of the tip. Tip component 64 does not have such cutout. In this manner, due to the material imbalance which creates an offset center of mass, the tip 60 will wobble when rotated to remove plaque in an area greater than a transverse dimension of the tip 60.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10B, the two tip components 62′, 64′ have different densities to achieve the wobbling effect. The tip components 62′, 64′ are attached to rotatable shaft 70′ which is fixed to catheter (outer member) 80′. Shaft 70′ and catheter 80′ are identical to the aforedescribed shafts 20 and 70 and catheters (outer member) 24 and 80.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an alternate embodiment of the atherectomy device. The device 90 includes a rotatable atherectomy tip or bit 92 similar in configuration to tip 50 of FIG. 9. Rotatable tip 92 has a lumen between its proximal and distal openings through which flexible rotatable shaft 94 partially extends, terminating proximal of the distal opening of tip 92. That is, tip 92 is attached to rotatable shaft 94 at a distal end so the shaft 92 does not extend beyond the distalmost end 93 of tip 92. Stated another away, a distal portion of the tip 92 extends distally of the distalmost end 97 of shaft 94. Alternatively, the tip 92 can be attached to the flexible shaft spaced proximally of the distalmost end of the shaft 94 so a portion of the shaft 94 extends distally of the distalmost tip 93 of tip 92 in the same manner as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 9. Shaft 94, like shaft 20, has a lumen dimensioned to receive a guidewire G to enable over the wire insertion of the atherectomy device 90.

Rotatable shaft 94 has an auger or series of threads 96 proximal of tip or bit 92. The auger 96 is attached to the shaft 94, e.g., by welding at several regions, and is positioned on the region of the shaft 94 proximal of the proximalmost edge 95 of tip 92 and extends along a length of the shaft 94 within outer tube or catheter 100. These threads function as an Archimedes screw, i.e., a screw pump, to remove the plaque in the same manner as auger 44 described above. That is, as the shaft 94 is rotated, the screw's helical surface scoops particles and directs the particles proximally (rearwardly) through opening 104 and along the shaft 94 through the lumen 102 of catheter 100. The auger 96 can be used in addition to an aspiration pump for aspirating particles into the distal opening of catheter 100 (as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3) or alternatively used as a substitute so it provides the sole mechanism for aspirating particles through the lumen 102 of the catheter 100. The auger 94 has a portion exposed between the distal end 103 of catheter 100 and the proximal end 95 of shaft 94 as shown.

A coating 98 can be provided over the rotatable shaft 92, including over the auger 96. The coating covers at least the distal portion of the rotatable shaft 92, i.e., the portion exposed from the catheter 100. That is, the coating 98 can start just proximally of the tip 92 and extend to cover only the portion of the shaft 92 between the proximal end 95 of tip 92 and the distal end 103 of catheter 100. Alternatively, the coating 98 can cover other regions of the shaft 94, and in some embodiments, can cover the entire length of the shaft 92 including the region of the shaft 94 within tip 92 as shown in FIG. 12B. Examples of coatings that can be utilized include PTFE or PET, although other materials are also contemplated. The coating covers the coils of the rotatable shaft 92 so they do not pinch the vessel. The coating can further function to help hold the auger 96 close to the rotatable shaft 94. It should be appreciated that the coating can be utilized with the other embodiments described herein.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12A-12C, the auger 96 is exposed between the distal end 103 of catheter 100 and the proximal end of the tip (bit) 92. In the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 13A-13C, the auger 116 of atherectomy device 100 is not exposed between the distal end 124 or distalmost edge of catheter 120 and the proximal end 115 or edge of the tip 112. That is, the auger 116 terminates at a distal end within the catheter 120. In all other respects, device 120 is identical to device 90 of FIGS. 12A-12C.

A coating 118 can be provided over the rotatable shaft 114, including over the auger 116 in the same manner as shaft 94 described above. The coating 118, as in coating 98, covers at least the distal portion of the rotatable shaft 114, i.e., the portion exposed from the catheter 120—starting just proximally of the tip 112 and extending to cover only the portion between the tip 112 and the distal end 124 of catheter 120. Alternatively, the coating 118 can cover other regions of the shaft 114, and in some embodiments, can cover the entire length of the shaft 114.

As discussed above, the catheters of the various embodiments disclosed herein are axially (and rotatably) fixed with respect to the motor and motor housing. The shafts are rotatably mounted to the motor but axially fixed with respect to the motor, (and motor housing). In this manner, actuation of the motor rotates the shaft and attached atherectomy tip while the position of the tip with respect to the catheter remains fixed since the catheter (and rotatable shaft) are axially fixed, i.e., do not move in an axial direction. In this manner, a gap, e.g., a fixed gap, between the atherectomy tip and the catheter is maintained to enable aspiration of particles into the distal end of the catheter, either by the rotating auger or a vacuum, or the combination of both the auger and vacuum, as described herein.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an exemplary mounting of the rotatable shaft to the motor. The mounting is shown for the atherectomy device 90 of FIG. 12A, it being understood that the atherectomy devices of the other embodiments described herein can be mounted in the same fashion. As shown, handle or motor housing 130 has an internal rib 136 affixed between rings 137 of hub 134 of atherectomy device 90. Catheter 100 is fixedly mounted to the hub 134 and extends distally thereof. A proximal rib 140 within housing 130 receives a more proximal portion of hub 134 and provides additional support. Thus, hub 134 and attached catheter 100 are fixedly mounted within the motor housing 130. The rotatable shaft 94, extending through hub 134, is unattached to catheter 100 and rotatably operatively connected to motor shaft 138. The shaft 94 is axially fixed.

A series of wires 139 extend from the motor and terminate in a plug for powering the motor. Aspiration tube 132 extends from side port 135 of hub 134 to remove aspirated particles.

Use of the atherectomy tip of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16A-16D. The tip 60 of FIG. 4 is shown in these drawings, it being understood that the other atherectomy devices and tips disclosed herein would be used in the same insertion and rotational manner. As shown in FIG. 16A, plaque “P” buildup on the interior wall of the vessel “V” has occluded the passageway through the vessel. Rotational shaft 70 with attached tip 60 (or any of the other tips disclosed herein) is inserted over guidewire G and by motorized rotation of flexible rotatable shaft 70 is rotated at high speed in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16B to remove plaque which comes into contact with its outer surface. Aspiration is provided to aspirate the broken off particles through opening 74 in catheter 72. The fixed gap between the distal edge 75 of catheter 72 and the proximalmost edge 63 of tip 62 provides space for the particles to be suctioned through opening 74 and remains constant since the catheter 72 and shaft 70 do not move axially. Thus, the cut plaque and debris can be removed from the patient's body as the particles are dislodged by the rotating tip 60 as shown in FIG. 16C. As the plaque is removed, the device is continually advanced to continue to remove and aspirate the plaque as shown in FIG. 16D. As noted above, an auger like auger 44 or 96 can be provided in lieu of or in addition to an aspiration source

Note the term axially fixed as used herein means the component does not move axially. However, axially fixed can also be considered to include substantially axially fixed such that significant axial movement is prevented so that the distance between the catheter and tip does not significantly change to affect aspiration. Similarly, a fixed gap can mean a substantially fixed gap so that the distance between the catheter and tip does not significantly change.

It should be appreciated that any of the tips described herein can be utilized with any of the rotatable shafts/catheters (outer members) disclosed herein.

While the above description contains many specifics, those specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined by the claims appended hereto. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A method for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel comprising the steps of: providing an introducer sheath having an internal diameter; providing a deposit removal device including an outer member, a rotatable shaft and a rotatable tip at a distal portion of the rotatable shaft, the outer member axially fixed to maintain a fixed spacing between a distal end of the outer member and a proximal end of the rotatable tip; inserting the introducer sheath through a skin incision and into a vessel; advancing the rotatable tip adjacent the deposits to be removed; actuating a motor to rotate the rotatable tip at high speed by rotation of the rotatable shaft to contact and remove the deposits, the rotatable tip rotating to remove deposits; and aspirating deposits through a space in the outer member between the rotatable shaft and an inner wall of the outer member during rotation of the rotatable shaft.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rotatable shaft has an auger thereon, and the step of rotating the rotatable shaft causes the auger to direct deposits proximally within the outer member.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of aspirating deposits includes applying a vacuum to aspirate direct deposits proximally that are removed by rotational movement of the tip.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of aspirating deposits includes applying a vacuum to aspirate direct deposits proximally that are removed by rotational movement of the tip.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of inserting the rotatable tip over a guidewire.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the outer member is axially fixed to a motor housing. 